SLU?s graduate programs in educational leadership are grounded in evidence regarding excellence in leadership, integrating theory and practice, and are designed to meet your needs and professional aspirations. The vast majority of educational leadership students work in full-time positions while they are in the program.

SLU's M.A. in educational leadership has a multi-discipline design, enhanced by problem-based learning, evidence-based content connecting theory and practice, and opportunities for practice. You will work with peers on problem-oriented instructional strategies, a curriculum grounded in the literature of effective practice, professionally guided practice in schools, and in-depth internships in schools with site supervisors. The degree requires 32 credit hours of coursework and a culminating program requirement. Some M.A. students are enrolled in an educational leadership/business administration dual degree program. Two credit hours of M.B.A. coursework are accepted for the M.A. program. Usually, EDL 6390: Gateway Leadership Institute is not required for dual degree students. Schedules vary and are arranged with advisers and the program director.?

An M.A. in educational leadership (Catholic School) is also available.? This concentration is designed to prepare you for school-level leadership positions, most commonly the principalship in Catholic elementary, middle and high schools. The area of emphasis requires a completion of 33-36 credit hours of coursework as well as cumulative and written exams.? The degree programs offered through the Institute for Catholic Education are designed to meet the catechetical requirements for the Archdiocese of Saint Louis and the standards from the United State Conference of Catholic Bishops. Students seeking Missouri certification as a principal must take the internship course and pass the Missouri Leaders assessments.